"I can feel a lot of motivation" - Sitthichai pleased to end two-match skid with Masaaki Noiri triumph at ONE 167

Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong is still lost for words after punching his way back into the winner's column this past Friday, June 7.

The striking veteran turned back the clock in a classic performance of aggression and technical brilliance, outclassing Masaaki Noiri for nine minutes throughout their three-round featherweight kickboxing tussle at ONE 167 inside the Impact Arena.

Though there was plenty of momentum and hype about Noiri's promotional bow, the No.3-ranked featherweight kickboxing contender did not seem one bit afraid to stand and bang with the Japanese debutant.

He did his job, stuck to his educated hands, and beat his rival to the punch until the final bell in Bangkok, Thailand.

In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA's Nic Atkin, Sitthichai couldn't contain his excitement after returning to winning ways. He shared:

"I feel very happy. It's a great relief for me because I was on a losing streak. And, you know, to win this one, I can feel a lot of motivation running in me again."

Watch the full interview here:

Fresh off his sixth promotional win and the 129th of his illustrious career, there's nothing the multi-time world champion wants more than the 26 pounds of ONE gold that has eluded him thus far.

Though he'd need to do his part to ensure he achieves his dream, the 32-year-old striker seems all geared up to continue producing classic performances and work his way to a shot at the crown.

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Sitthichai eager to run it back with Tawanchai

Sitthichai may have had his fair share of bad results under the ONE banner, but tucked away somewhere at the start of his promotional tenure is a win over Tawanchai PK Saenchai.

The Sitsingpeenong Muay Thai Camp affiliate holds the accolade as the only man to have ever beaten the ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion under the ONE spotlight.

And though it has been almost three years since that victory, the Buriram native remains open to running it back with the Thai striker, who maintained his winning run against Jo Nattawut in the main event of ONE 167 last Friday, June 7.

Speaking on a possible rematch, the Thai veteran told ONE Championship:

"If I ever get a chance to fight him again, it will be a great opportunity for me. And it will prove whether or not I can beat Tawanchai again or not."

The ONE 167 replay is available to all active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America.